I’m not so sure what’s worse: rain and cold, or just cold. The fact that the summer-like weather has suddenly disappeared and a four-season calendar reemerges brings along an infectious disease that’s overtaking this campus.

The dark, gloomy, murky, windy, misty, rainy and brisk weather is the same climate that precedes the frigid, frosty temperatures of sub-zero wind chills and, not to mention, those Nor’easter snow storms scientists forget to include when they discuss global warming.

Have I scared you Southerners enough? Should I go on to explain how you need more than one type of jacket? Are you now wondering why you picked BU over USC?

I have to be honest, though — the weather doesn’t bother me. I can deal with the cold, the rain and the snow. I love that the autumn and winter seasons create lush landscapes full of vibrant colors and pristine winter wonderlands. I love the grown appreciation for coziness and, um, sharing bodily warmth. I love those two luscious words, “snow day.”

Unfortunately, though, all these wonderful scenes are obscured from our vision, shrouded by the darkness that arrives at 4:30 p.m. and obliterated by the most infectious and contagious disease known: negativity.

Call me a pessimist, but I sense the cynicism every day in almost everybody. Seriously think for a moment: Upon being asked the simple question of “How are you?” how many people have actually said, “Good.”

Forget the fact if they may be discourteous enough to not return the question, and you may realize almost nobody is good anymore — they’re busy.

My friends, it’s a shame.

You’re not “fine,” you’re “busy.” You’re “so busy” and “very, very busy.” You’re not even “alright.” You’re just “exhausted” and “sleep deprived.” What’s so disappointing is that I struggle to find an “OK.” Instead, I listen to my personal favorite, “Oh, you have no idea. I’m just so bogged down with work these days.”

You’re right. I don’t know. I don’t have work and I don’t know what stress is. You’re right.

I want to think that people want to express their feelings, share their thoughts and tell the world that they are working hard on the job at school; I like that they can feel comfortable enough with me that they can tell me everything bad that’s going on in their lives right now.

I suspect, however, that sometimes this act can go too far. Let’s examine: at such a high-profile university deep in the heart of a high-profile college town, how much does guilt and fear play in the part of a so-called “busy lifestyle.”

If you finished your homework and you have free time, is that not cool anymore? Should you feel guilty if you’re done with work for the night and want to watch Mean Girls?

Don’t be fooled — you’re fine.

Are you afraid that if your friend in another school has twice as many midterms as you do? Are you now less of a student? Do you all of a sudden feel inferior to your friends who are pre-med, SMG or CFA? Don’t. Please don’t.

We do indeed live in the land of opportunity – a land stacked with wealth and packed with hard-working individuals who strive to make a living.

The rule of the American work ethic is that if you labor hard, you will do well. By not working constantly or excessively, perhaps we feel that we are not entitled. If you’re not busy with something, then life can seem empty, aimless and worthless.

And yet, if all of us are so damn busy doing work, why can you never reach anybody? My new best friend has become the Verizon lady, who constantly tells me, “The cellular customer you are trying to reach (state your name) is not available.” Your away messages flood my Buddy List.

So now, with all this in mind, I really do have to ask you: WHAT ARE YOU DOING????

Do yourselves a favor and remember that there are other things beside work (see: friends).

Yeah, I might be an idealist, but you’ve got to know that a huge portion of that tuition goes to other things besides work. You and your parents pay for what should be four of the most amazing years of your life. You — and hopefully just you — picked this school because you hoped to flourish here not only academically, but also emotionally, intellectually and socially.

I don’t know about you, but I want to enjoy my collective college experience.

So, how are you?